U.S. patent number 7,918,886 [Application Number 11/420,327] was granted by the patent office on 2011-04-05 for double insertion intraocular implant.
This patent grant is currently assigned to VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Inc.. Invention is credited to Eli Aharoni, Yossi Gross.
United States Patent |
7,918,886 |
Aharoni , et al. |
April 5, 2011 |
Double insertion intraocular implant
Abstract
An intraocular telescopic lens assembly including a negative
lens having a negative lens optical axis, a positive lens having a
positive lens optical axis and a spacer disposed intermediate the
negative lens and the positive lens, the spacer being operative to
maintain mutual orientation of the negative lens and the positive
lens such that the negative lens optical axis is coaxial with the
positive lens optical axis.
Inventors: |
Aharoni; Eli (Tel Aviv,
IL), Gross; Yossi (Moshav Mazor, IL) |
Assignee: |
VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies
Inc. (Saratoga, CA)
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Family
ID: |
38556675 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/420,327 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2006 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20070276483 A1 |
Nov 29, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/6.34;
623/6.37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
2/1651 (20150401); A61F 2/1648 (20130101); A61F
2250/0053 (20130101); A61F 2002/1699 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
2/16 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;623/6.11,6.13,6.14,6.34,6.37 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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DE |
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0 099 641 |
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EP |
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0162573 |
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EP |
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0 897 702 |
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Feb 1999 |
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EP |
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1475055 |
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Nov 2004 |
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EP |
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2666735 |
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Mar 1992 |
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FR |
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2666735 |
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Mar 1992 |
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FR |
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1303579 |
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Jan 1973 |
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GB |
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WO-83/01566 |
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May 1983 |
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WO |
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WO-88/06430 |
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Sep 1988 |
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WO |
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WO-94/07435 |
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Apr 1994 |
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WO |
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WO-0004849 |
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Feb 2000 |
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WO |
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WO-00/38593 |
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Jul 2000 |
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WO |
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Other References
European Search Report dated May 28, 2004 re: Application No. EP 04
25 0124. cited by other .
An Office Action dated Jan. 20, 2009, which issued during the
prosecution of Applicant's Japanese Patent Application No.
2004-7118. cited by other .
An International Search Report dated Feb. 26, 2007, which issued
during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT Patent Application No.
PCT/IL06/00873. cited by other .
An Office Action dated Aug. 29, 2009, which issued during the
prosecution of Applicant's Canadian Patent Application No. 2,
455,076. cited by other .
An Office Action dated Sep. 8, 2009, which issued during the
prosecution of Applicant's Japanese Patent Application No.
2004-560169. cited by other .
An Office Action dated Sep. 9, 2009, which issued during the
prosecution of Applicant's U.S. Appl. No. 11/069,581. cited by
other.
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Primary Examiner: Isabella; David
Assistant Examiner: Levine; Joshua
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fish & Richardson P.C.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly comprising: a negative
lens having a negative lens optical axis, said negative lens
comprising a first lens having a first circumference and a second
lens having a second circumference, said first lens being fused
together with said second lens along said first and second
circumferences such that a gap is formed intermediate said first
lens and said second lens, said gap being filled with gas; a
positive lens having a positive lens optical axis; a first pair of
haptics connected to said negative lens; a second pair of haptics
connected to said positive lens and different in length from said
first pair of haptics connected to said negative lens, one pair of
said first and second pairs of haptics being haptics of relatively
greater length being configured for mounting in the sulcus of an
eye and the other pair of said first and second pairs of haptics
being haptics of relatively lesser length being configured for
mounting in the bag of the eye; and a spacer disposed intermediate
said negative lens and said positive lens, said spacer being
operative to maintain mutual orientation of said negative lens and
said positive lens such that said negative lens optical axis is
coaxial with said positive lens optical axis.
2. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1 and
wherein said spacer is operative to maintain a predetermined
minimum distance between said negative lens and said positive
lens.
3. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1,
and wherein said spacer comprises an additional lens.
4. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 3 and
wherein said additional lens comprises a negative lens.
5. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1 and
wherein at least one of said first lens and said second lens has
zero optical power.
6. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1 and
wherein said gap is sealed off from an exterior of said negative
lens.
7. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1 and
wherein said first pair of haptics and said second pair of haptics
are operative to maintain a predetermined maximum distance between
said negative lens and said positive lens.
8. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1,
and wherein a predetermined maximum distance between said negative
lens and said positive lens is maintained by snap-fit engagement
between said spacer and said negative lens.
9. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1,
and wherein a predetermined maximum distance between said negative
lens and said positive lens is maintained by snap-fit engagement
between said spacer and said positive lens.
10. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1
and also comprising a support element, mounted onto one of said
negative lens and said positive lens, which supports at least a
portion of said spacer.
11. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 10
and wherein said support element is ring shaped.
12. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1
and wherein at least one of said positive lens and said negative
lens includes a refractive optical element.
13. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1
and wherein at least one of said positive lens and said negative
lens includes a diffractive optical element.
14. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1
and wherein at least one of said positive lens and said negative
lens is coated with an optical coating.
15. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1
and wherein said first pair of haptics are connected to said
negative lens via a first mounting structure and said second pair
of haptics are connected to said positive lens via a second
mounting structure.
16. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 15
and wherein said first pair of haptics engage said first mounting
structure and do not engage said second mounting structure.
17. An intraocular telescopic lens assembly according to claim 1
and wherein said negative lens and said positive lens form a
doublet.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to optical implants generally and
more particularly to flat telescope intraocular lens implants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The following patent publications of the inventor/assignee are
believed to represent the current state of the art:
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,814,103; 5,876,442; 5,928,283; 6,007,579 and
6,066,171.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide a flat telescope intraocular
lens implant suitable for at least partially alleviating the
symptoms characteristic of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
and other maculopathy problems.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention an intraocular telescopic lens assembly
including a negative lens having a negative lens optical axis, a
positive lens having a positive lens optical axis and a spacer
disposed intermediate the negative lens and the positive lens, the
spacer being operative to maintain mutual orientation of the
negative lens and the positive lens such that the negative lens
optical axis is coaxial with the positive lens optical axis.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
the spacer is operative to maintain a predetermined minimum
distance between the negative lens and the positive lens.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention the spacer includes an additional lens. Preferably, the
additional lens includes a negative lens.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention the negative lens includes a first lens having a first
circumference and a second lens having a second circumference, the
first lens being fused together with the second lens along the
first and second circumferences such that a gap is formed
intermediate the first lens and the second lens. Preferably, the
gap is maintained by vacuum. Alternatively, the gap is filled with
gas.
In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present
invention at least one of the first lens and the second lens has
zero optical power. Preferably, the gap is sealed off from an
exterior of the negative lens.
In accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention the intraocular telescopic lens assembly also
includes first haptics connected to the negative lens and second
haptics connected to the positive lens, the first and second
haptics being operative to maintain a predetermined maximum
distance between the negative lens and the positive lens.
In accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the
present invention a predetermined maximum distance between the
negative lens and the positive lens is maintained by snap-fit
engagement between the spacer and the negative lens or between the
spacer and the positive lens.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention the intraocular telescopic lens assembly also includes a
support element, mounted onto one of the negative lens and the
positive lens, which supports at least a portion of the spacer.
Preferably, the support element is ring shaped.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention at least one of the positive lens and the negative lens
includes a refractive optical element. Additionally or
alternatively, at least one of the positive lens and the negative
lens includes a diffractive optical element. Preferably, at least
one of the positive lens and the negative lens is coated with an
optical coating.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully
from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with
the drawings in which:
FIGS. 1A and 1B are simplified illustrations of a doublet
telescopic implant constructed and operative in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, implanted in the eye
of a wearer wearing contact lenses in two alternative operative
orientations;
FIGS. 2A and 2B are simplified illustrations of the doublet
telescopic implant of FIGS. 1A and 1B implanted in the eye of a
wearer not wearing glasses or contact lenses in two alternative
operative orientations;
FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified illustrations of a doublet
telescopic implant constructed and operative in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, implanted in
the eye of a wearer wearing contact lenses in two alternative
operative orientations; and
FIGS. 4A and 4B are simplified illustrations of the doublet
telescopic implant of FIGS. 3A and 3B implanted in the eye of a
wearer not wearing glasses or contact lenses in two alternative
operative orientations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are simplified
illustrations of a doublet telescopic implant constructed and
operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, implanted in the eye of a wearer wearing contact lenses
in two alternative operative orientations and to FIGS. 2A and 2B,
which are simplified illustrations of the doublet telescopic
implant of FIGS. 1A and 1B implanted in the eye of a wearer not
wearing glasses or contact lenses in two alternative operative
orientations.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided an intraocular telescopic lens assembly
comprising a negative lens having a negative lens optical axis, a
positive lens having a positive lens optical axis and a spacer
disposed intermediate the negative lens and the positive lens, the
spacer being operative to maintain mutual orientation of the
negative lens and the positive lens such that the negative lens
optical axis is coaxial with the positive lens optical axis.
As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a doublet telescopic implant 100
preferably comprises a pair of lenses 102 which are fused together
along respective circumferences 104 thereof, and have connected
thereto haptics 106 via a haptics mounting structure 108.
It is an important feature of the present invention that a gap,
which may be maintained under vacuum or filled with air or any
other suitable gas, and which is designated by reference numeral
110, is formed intermediate the pair of lenses 102 and is operative
to enhance refraction thereby. It is also an important feature of
the present invention that the gap 110, which comprises the
interior of the pair of lenses 102, is sealed from the exterior
thereof, so as to prevent liquids or vapors from entering the
implant.
It is appreciated that due to the gap 110 and the liquid
environment surrounding the implant 100 when implanted in the eye,
the pair of lenses 102 functions as a negative lens. The negative
lens formed by lenses 102 preferably has a negative lens optical
axis, indicated by reference numeral 111.
It is appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the pair of
lenses 102 may be replaced by positive lens having a gap formed
therein using any suitable mechanism, and thus functioning as a
negative lens.
Fixed to one of lenses 102 is a ring shaped support element 112,
operative to receive and support a spacer 114 which is preferably
formed of a lens, which is preferably a negative lens. A portion of
the spacer 114 preferably is located at least partially within the
ring shaped support element 112.
Disposed adjacent a surface 118 of spacer 114, and preferably in
engagement therewith, is an additional lens 120, which is
preferably a positive lens. Positive lens 120 has haptics 124
connected thereto via a haptic mounting structure 126, and includes
a positive lens optical axis, indicated by reference numeral
128.
It is a particular feature of the present invention that spacer 114
is operative to maintain mutual orientation of the negative lens
formed of lenses 102 and the positive lens 120 such that the
negative lens optical axis 111 is coaxial with the positive lens
optical axis 128. Spacer 114 is additionally operative to maintain
a predetermined minimum distance between the negative lens formed
of lenses 102 and the positive lens 120. The fixed distance between
the negative lens formed of lenses 102 and the positive lens 120 is
maintained by haptics 106 and 124 which push lenses 102 and 120
together generally against each other. Alternatively, the fixed
distance between the negative lens formed of lenses 102 and the
positive lens 120 may be maintained by snap fit engagement between
one of the lenses 102 and 120 and the spacer 114.
Preferably, the lenses 102 and the additional lens 120 include
refractive and diffractive optical elements.
Typically, the lenses 102 and the lens 120 are coated with optical
coatings.
Turning specifically to FIG. 1A, it is seen that the doublet
telescopic implant 100 is implanted in the wearer's eye such that
the lenses 102 face a posterior portion of the eye. When the
implant 100 is implanted in this orientation, the haptics 106 of
the implant 100 are preferably shorter than the haptics 124. In
this orientation, the doublet telescopic implant 100 at least
partially alleviates the symptoms characteristic of Age-related
Macular Degeneration (AMD) and other maculopathy problems.
Turning now to FIG. 1B, which illustrates an alternative operative
orientation of the doublet telescopic implant 100 implanted in the
eye of a wearer wearing contact lenses, it is seen that the doublet
telescopic implant 100 is implanted in the wearer's eye such that
the lenses 102 face an anterior portion of the eye. When the
implant 100 is implanted in this orientation, the haptics 106 of
the implant 100 are preferably longer than the haptics 124. In this
orientation, the doublet telescopic implant 100 at least partially
alleviates the tunnel vision symptom characteristic of glaucoma and
retinosis pigmentosa.
It is appreciated that a contact lens 150 may enhance the
functionality of the doublet telescopic implant 100, by further
broadening the field of view of the user, and thus further
alleviating the tunnel vision symptom.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which are simplified
illustrations of the doublet telescopic implant 100 implanted in
the eye of a wearer not wearing glasses or contact lenses in two
alternative operative orientations.
FIG. 2A illustrates the doublet telescopic implant 100 implanted in
the wearer's eye such that the lenses 102 face a posterior portion
of the eye. When the implant 100 is implanted in this orientation,
the haptics 106 of the implant 100 are preferably shorter than the
haptics 124. In this orientation, the doublet telescopic implant
100 at least partially alleviates the symptoms characteristic of
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and other maculopathy
problems.
FIG. 2B illustrates an alternative operative orientation of the
doublet telescopic implant 100 implanted in the eye of a wearer not
wearing glasses or contact lenses. As seen in FIG. 2B, the doublet
telescopic implant 100 implanted in the wearer's eye such that the
lenses 102 face an anterior portion of the eye. When the implant
100 is implanted in this orientation, the haptics 106 of the
implant 100 are preferably longer than the haptics 124. In this
orientation, the doublet telescopic implant 100 at least partially
alleviates the tunnel vision symptom characteristic of glaucoma and
retinosis pigmentosa.
It is appreciated that an additional lens (not shown) may be placed
in the anterior chamber of the eye, and may cooperate with the
doublet telescopic implant 100 in alleviating symptoms
characteristic of Age-related Macular Degeneration, glaucoma or
retinosis pigmentosa. The additional lens may be a positive lens, a
negative lens or any other suitable lens.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are simplified
illustrations of a doublet telescopic implant constructed and
operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, implanted in the eye of a wearer wearing contact
lenses in two alternative operative orientations and to FIGS. 4A
and 4B, which are simplified illustrations of the doublet
telescopic implant of FIGS. 3A and 3B implanted in the eye of a
wearer not wearing glasses or contact lenses in two alternative
operative orientations.
As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a doublet telescopic implant 200
preferably comprises a pair of lenses 202, which are fused together
along respective circumferences 204 thereof, and have connected
thereto haptics 206 via a haptics mounting structure 208.
It is an important feature of the present invention that a gap,
which may be maintained under vacuum or filled with air or any
other suitable gas, and which is designated by reference numeral
210, is formed intermediate the pair of lenses 202 and is operative
to enhance refraction thereby. It is also an important feature that
the gap 210, which comprises the interior of the pair of lenses
202, is sealed from the exterior thereof, so as to prevent liquids
or vapors from entering the implant. It is appreciated that due to
the gap 210 and the liquid environment surrounding the implant 200
when implanted in the eye, the pair of lenses 202 functions as a
negative lens. The negative lens formed by lenses 202 preferably
has a negative lens optical axis, indicated by reference numeral
211.
It is appreciated that the gap 210, defining the negative nature of
the lens formed of lenses 202, may alternatively be formed in a
positive lens using any suitable mechanism. In such a case the
positive lens including the gap would replace the pair of lenses
202.
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A, fixed to one of lenses 202 is a ring
shaped support element 212, operative to receive and support a
spacer 214, which is preferably ring shaped, but may alternatively
be formed in any other suitable way. The spacer 214 is preferably
fixed to an additional lens 220, which is preferably a positive
lens. Lens 220 has haptics 224 connected thereto via a haptic
mounting structure 226, and includes a positive lens optical axis,
indicated by reference numeral 228.
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, spacer 214 may be fixed
to one of lenses 202 and support element 212 may be fixed to lens
220.
It is a particular feature of the present invention that spacer 214
is operative to maintain mutual orientation of the negative lens
formed of lenses 202 and the positive lens 220 such that the
negative lens optical axis 211 is coaxial with the positive lens
optical axis 228. Spacer 214 is additionally operative to maintain
a predetermined minimum distance between the negative lens formed
of lenses 202 and the positive lens 220. The fixed distance between
the negative lens formed of lenses 202 and the positive lens 220 is
maintained by haptics 206 and 224 which push lenses 202 and 220
together generally against each other. Alternatively, the fixed
distance between the negative lens formed of lenses 202 and the
positive lens 220 may be maintained by snap fit engagement between
one of lenses 202 and 220 and the spacer 214.
Preferably, the lenses 202 and the lens 220 include refractive and
diffractive optical elements.
Typically, the lenses 202 and the lens 220 are coated with optical
coatings.
Turning specifically to FIG. 3A, it is seen that the doublet
telescopic implant 200 is implanted in the wearer's eye such that
the lenses 202 face a posterior portion of the eye. When the
implant 200 is implanted in this orientation, the haptics 206 of
the implant 200 are preferably shorter than the haptics 224. In
this orientation, the doublet telescopic implant 200 at least
partially alleviates the symptoms characteristic of Age-related
Macular Degeneration (AMD) and other maculopathy problems.
Turning now to FIG. 3B, which illustrates an alternative operative
orientation of the doublet telescopic implant 100 implanted in the
eye of a wearer wearing contact lenses, it is seen that doublet
telescopic implant 200 is implanted in the wearer's eye such that
the lenses 202 face an anterior portion of the eye. When the
implant 200 is implanted in this orientation, the haptics 206 of
the implant 200 are preferably longer than the haptics 224. As
described hereinabove, when the implant 200 is implanted in this
orientation, the ring shaped support element 212 is fixed to lens
220 and the spacer 214 is fixed to lens 202, and is located
partially within support element 212. In this orientation, the
doublet telescopic implant 100 at least partially alleviates the
tunnel vision symptom characteristic of glaucoma and retinosis
pigmentosa.
It is appreciated that a contact lens 250 may enhance the
functionality of the doublet telescopic implant 200, by further
broadening the field of view of the wearer thereof, and thus
further alleviating the tunnel vision symptom.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B, which are simplified
illustrations of the doublet telescopic implant 200 implanted in
the eye of a wearer not wearing glasses or contact lenses in two
alternative operative orientations.
FIG. 4A illustrates the doublet telescopic implant 200 implanted in
the wearer's eye such that the lenses 202 face a posterior portion
of the eye. When the implant 200 is implanted in this orientation,
the haptics 206 of the implant 200 are preferably shorter than the
haptics 224. In this orientation, the doublet telescopic implant
200 at least partially alleviates the symptoms characteristic of
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and other maculopathy
problems.
FIG. 4B illustrates an alternative operative orientation of the
doublet telescopic implant 100 implanted in the eye of a wearer not
wearing glasses or contact lenses. As seen in FIG. 4B, the doublet
telescopic implant 200 implanted in the wearer's eye such that the
lenses 202 face an anterior portion of the eye. When the implant
200 is implanted in this orientation, the haptics 206 of the
implant 200 are preferably longer than the haptics 224. As
described hereinabove, when the implant 200 is implanted in this
orientation, the ring shaped support element 212 is fixed to lens
220 and the spacer 214 is fixed to lens 202, and is disposed
partially within support element 212. In this orientation, the
doublet telescopic implant 200 at least partially alleviates the
tunnel vision symptom characteristic of glaucoma and retinosis
pigmentosa.
It is appreciated that an additional lens (not shown) may be placed
in the anterior chamber of the eye, and may cooperate with the
doublet telescopic implant 200 in alleviating symptoms
characteristic of Age-related Macular Degeneration, glaucoma or
retinosis pigmentosa. The additional lens may be a positive lens, a
negative lens or any other suitable lens.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the
present invention is not limited by what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present
invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the
various features described hereinabove as well as variations and
modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon
reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.
* * * * *